Coping after separation (Canada)
Reviewed 19 September 2026 · Canada · signposting, not legal or financial advice
9-8-8 is Canada’s national line for anyone in crisis or emotional distress, by call or text, 24 hours a day. For children and young people, Kids Help Phone is free and confidential, by phone or by texting CONNECT to 686868.
Separation is a grief and often lands weeks later. Children cope best when the conflict they sense stays low, whatever the arrangements.
Where to get help
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Visit › 24-hour support by call or text for anyone in crisis or distress. Phone: 9-8-8. Canada Kids Help Phone Visit › Free, confidential, multilingual 24-hour support for young people. Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Canada Ontario: family justice services Visit › Includes the Mandatory Information Program and other parent information sessions in Ontario. CanadaThe basics in Canada
Sources checked September 2026. Government pages change; the links go to the official page for the latest.
How it usually works
Whatever route you take, a calm shared record helps. ParenThing keeps messages, the calendar, costs and handovers in one private place both parents can see, and your data is held in the EU. See how it works for Canadian families.
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This page brings together publicly available services. It is signposting, not legal, financial or medical advice. Information is checked regularly; if you spot something out of date, please tell us.